Description
This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad features unmatched flavors from fresh veggies, chickpeas, and feta, making it a perfect choice for quick, healthy meals. Simple to prepare and delightful to taste, it’s ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup dry quinoa
- kosher salt
- 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes
- 1 english cucumber, finely diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, finely diced
- 15-oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup minced red onion (or shallot)
- 1 small garlic clove, grated
- ½ cup finely chopped parsley
- ¾ cup feta crumbles
- ½ cup sliced olives
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, plus zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup olive oil
- freshly ground black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and drain completely. In a saucepan, combine quinoa with 1 ¾ cups water and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let steam for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- If using immediately, spread the quinoa on a baking sheet and freeze for 2 to 3 minutes to cool it down.
- Prepare the vegetables as listed. In a large bowl, mix together the vegetables, feta cheese, ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, and dried oregano.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and zest, Dijon mustard, and honey or maple syrup. Gradually whisk in the olive oil until fully combined.
- Add the quinoa and dressing to the vegetable mixture, seasoning with black pepper if desired. Serve immediately or let it marinate for 30 minutes to 24 hours. Adjust salt if needed before serving. Store in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
Notes
Chill the quinoa beforehand for a refreshing flavor in the salad.
This salad can be customized with any veggies or proteins you prefer.
Make sure to store it properly to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg